Residential Demolition Is Not For The Novice Or First-Time Homeowner

Some home improvement reality shows make residential demolition look easy, but this is far from a do-it-yourself job. It requires various permits and permissions that must be obtained before any work can begin.

Most of the time, the utilities will need to be disconnected before any demolition can take place. Licensed contractors know the rules and regulations of different municipalities and will pull the appropriate permits for you.

Do-It-Yourself

Thanks to HGTV, many homeowners think they can take on renovation projects like demolition. But it’s important to remember that this is not a job for a novice or first-timer. It can be dangerous and costly if not done correctly.

Most local governments require a permit before demolition work can begin. It’s best to hire a contractor who will obtain the necessary permits as part of their service. This will save you time and hassle, and will ensure that the permit process is completed properly.

Dangerous materials are common in older homes, including asbestos and lead paint. These materials need to be removed prior to demolition to protect the occupants’ health and safety. Most demolition contractors will handle these hazardous materials as part of their service.

Hazardous Materials

During the demolition process, hazardous materials may be unearthed. These materials can pose a health risk to your crew as well as the surrounding environment if they are not handled properly. This includes asbestos, lead and contaminated soil.

It is important that you find a survey crew that is familiar with the identification and sampling requirements for these materials. This will help to avoid a costly mistake that can cause contamination, delays and additional expenses.

Older buildings often contain asbestos, which can cause serious health problems if inhaled. Moreover, there are also certain chemicals that can be toxic to the environment, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorofluorocarbons, which have been linked to climate change. Some other hazardous materials include mercury switches and florescent lights, which need to be disposed of with care.

Permits

Many cities require a demolition permit for any structure that is being removed, rebuilt or altered. This includes changing from a commercial to residential property and everything in between.

The permit requirements will depend on the municipality, but they typically include documentation about lead paint certifications and a removal plan. Some municipalities also require an asbestos survey and a site plan.

If the building will contain a fire escape, stairways or exits must be kept clear at all times. Construction materials should not be stored on the ground or placed in a way that will obstruct access to fire hydrants, standpipes, utility boxes, catch basins or manholes. Construction sites must be secured with barriers if they are located within 5 feet of a street lot line or public rights-of-way. A tree preservation inspection is often required prior to the demolition permit being issued.

Insurance

Sometimes the problems with a home are so severe that they make it more cost-effective to tear it down and build a new one. The home might have major structural issues that can’t be repaired, or it could have serious fire or water damage.

Having the proper insurance is vital for anyone in the demolition business. Demolition contractors need several types of insurance including commercial general liability, workers’ compensation, property, excess liability and inland marine.

Inland marine insurance covers equipment and tools that are in transit or stored on a job site. It is an add-on to a general liability policy and it can also include coverage for explosions, civil disturbance, aircraft (and debris flying from them), vandalism, volcanic eruption and terrorism. Typically the insurers that provide this specialized coverage offer comprehensive packages.

Contractors

Hiring a demolition contractor is an important decision and you want to make sure that you’re choosing the right person. There are a lot of contractors out there that don’t have the experience or skill to do a good job and could end up costing you more in the long run.

There are a lot of different regulations that must be met during demolition, including securing a permit and inspection. Failure to do so can result in fines and legal complications.

There is also a lot of waste material that needs to be taken care of after the demolition. Only a professional demolition company knows how to dispose of this material properly, taking it to designated waste disposal sites. They also have the equipment to do this efficiently and effectively.

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